Antiquing Laminate Furniture

Open the windows in the room and turn off the pilot lights. Wear rubber gloves and a respirator as you apply a degreasing product to the furniture with an old rag. The products contain harsh chemicals that are potentially dangerous when inhaled or when the products touch your skin. Wipe off the degreasing product with a damp rag and let the piece dry.

Rub the laminate furniture with the sandpaper, adding texture to the shiny laminate surfaces. Clean the piece with more of the degreasing product, which wipes off any grease or other debris on the furniture. Wipe the furniture off with a damp rag and, once dry, apply a layer of bonding primer.

Paint the laminate furniture with a thin layer of latex paint or an oil-based paint. After the paint dries completely, rub beeswax on the wood. Apply a thin layer of beeswax to handles and other areas where you might see more wear and tear.

Apply a second coat of paint over the first coat and over the beeswax. When the paint dries, rub the furniture with steel wool, which pulls off the paint and beeswax. Wipe the surface off with a rag and sand down the furniture with more sandpaper.

Rub more beeswax on the same areas you did before, but rub it into the surrounding areas as well. Paint the furniture with a third layer and, once dry, buff with the steel wool. The steel wool pulls off the paint and beeswax, exposing the different layers and giving it an antique look. Wipe everything off with a dry cloth.